Glossary of Endo Terms
Abcess
A localized collection of pus within a tissue or confined space.
Apicoectomy (also called root-end resection)
The surgical removal of the root tip and adherent soft tissues; may be performed in advance of root-end preparation for a root-end filling or as a definitive treatment.
Avulsion (exarticulation)
The complete separation of a tooth from its socket by traumatic injury; most commonly used in reference to dental injuries resulting from acute trauma.
Cracked tooth
A thin surface disruption of enamel and dentin, and possibly cementum (the surface of the tooth root), of unknown depth or extension.
Endodontics
The branch of dentistry concerned with the morphology, physiology, and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular (around the root) tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including the biology of the normal pulp and the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.
Gutta-percha
Used as root filling material in endodontic procedures, it is the purified coagulated exudate from the Palaquium gutta tree, commonly called the “mazer wood” tree, of the Burma and Malay Archipelago.
Pulpitis
A clinical and histologic term denoting inflammation of the dental pulp; clinically described as reversible or irreversible and histologically described as acute, chronic or hyperplastic.
Resorption
A condition associated with either a physical or disease process resulting in a loss of dentin, cementum and/or bone.
Retreatment
A procedure to remove root canal filling materials from the tooth, followed by cleaning, shaping and filling the canals.
Root canal system
The space containing the dental pulp inside the crown and root of a tooth.
Root fracture
A fracture that exists or extends into the root, to include dentin, cementum, and possibly pulpal space, which may progress to or from the enamel.
Longitudinal fracture
A root fracture extending in the axial plane within the tooth.
Split root
A continuation of a crack or vertical root fracture whereby the fractured segments are isolated periodontal defect(s) or sinus tract; it may be radiographically evident.
Vertical root fracture
A fracture in the root whereby the fractured segments are incompletely separated; it may occur buccal-lingually (cheek to tongue) or mesial-distally (front to back of the mouth); it may cause an isolated periodontal defect(s) or sinus tract; it may be radiographically evident.
Horizontal root fracture (oblique root fracture)
Fracture due to traumatic injury confined to the root in a transverse plane separating the root into coronal and apical segments, with the fracture being confined either partially or completely within bone. The fracture can be buccal-lingually or obliquely oriented.
Endodontics FAQs
A general dentist does receive some training in treating the pulp of a tooth. The Endodontist, however, goes through another two or three years of training to specialize in this area. The additional years of advanced training gives them an in-depth education concerning problems of this type. As a result of their specialty, Endodontists tend to see every type of problem and have years of experience in endodontic treatments and therapies.
The Endodontist’s primary objective is to save the original tooth rather than resorting to tooth extraction. One primary way to do this is to perform root canal therapy on the tooth. This means that the tooth is hollowed out and all the pulp and the nerves will be removed. Teeth that are fully developed do not need their pulp so, the hole is then filled with a rubber-like substance. After the root canal is completed, a crown will be placed on the tooth for long-term protection.
Our endodontic services include root canal treatment, endodontic surgery, severe or traumatic dental injury treatment, and endodontic retreatment.
Dental Health Associates Endodontist
Fitchburg Endodontics Clinic
2971 Chapel Valley Rd.
Fitchburg, WI 53711
Phone: 608-442-4433
Fax: 608-442-4388
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